In 2003, the Department of Health - through the Center for Health Development (Region I), together with the Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT) - through its local chapter the Pangasinan Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PangCAT) had team-up to spearhead the fight in controlling the spread of the tuberculosis in Pangasinan. Endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the public and private collaboration has adopted the Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) program, which has been proven to be the most effective tool in preventing and eradicating the disease.

Led by PangCAT's chairperson, Dr. Jennifer Ann M. Wi, the coalition's main advocacy was to promote a unified partnership between the public-private sectors by accelerating TB control strategies and reinforcing the National Tuberculosis Program in Region I. One of their objectives was to accredit DOTS clinics using a standardize process of identifying, diagnosing and treating of TB cases, through constant monitoring of TB patients by doctors and trained health workers.

By July 2004, the Dr. Vivencio V. Villaflor, Sr. Medical Foundation (VVMF) was able set up the first private DOTS unit in Dagupan City. Located at the Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital, the PPMD-VVMF DOTS clinic has committed itself to monitor and provide quality health service to TB patients diagnosed by private physicians concentrated in areas covering the city and nearby towns.

The PPMD-VVMF DOTS unit is being subsidized of free TB drugs by CHD- Region I. It has also been awarded a grant by the USAID funded Philippine Tuberculosis Initiatives for the Private Sector (Philippine TIPS) in support of its financial operations. It is currently processing its accreditation with the Philippine Health Insurance Inc. (PhilHealth) in order to cover treatment diagnoses expenses of TB patients.

• To establish a PPMD unit that would provide quality DOTS service to TB patients within the catchment area of Dagupan City, Calasiao, Mangaldan, Binmaley, and San Fabian.



• To reinforce the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) by contributing to case finding and enrolling at least 65 TB patients per year and referred by at least 30 private physicians within the coverage area.



• To successfully treat at least 85% of TB patients enrolled yearly.



• To train and enroll Physicians to refer to the DOTS program (150)



• To enable to provide further training to microscopists, medical and health staff regarding TB.



• Disseminate information on the NTP program to the public



• To have an operation that is financially self sustaining